Doha: The Leander Paes-Mahesh Bhupathi saga is like a never ending soap opera.
While it is no secret that Paes and Bhupathi don't see eye to eye but after India crashed out of the team event at Doha in the very first round losing to Chinese Taipei, it was clear that the split was wide open.
Paes voiced his displeasure at the poor game of Bhupathi in the match while coach Nandan Bal, too, made it clear that he held Bhupathi for India's ouster.
"I find it very difficult to believe that a Grand Slam winner doesn't hold his serve even once in a match. It was obvious that Mahesh was struggling with his form but one can't struggle that much and the Chinese Taipei team is not any where near the same league as our boys," Nandan Bal said after the match.
However, with Paes and Bhupathi being the defending champion in the doubles event, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and All India Tennis Association (AITA) decided to play the umpire.
The selectors and officials met the duo and decided that Paes and Bhupthai would play in the doubles.
"Yesterday I had a decision with AITA as well as the selectors. The discussion with them was confidential so I don't want to tell what the discussion was really all about. But I clearly let them know what my professional opinion is. After saying that they made the decision and nominated the team to play," Paes said after the meeting.
Bhupathi was not available for comment. But clearly there was a lot of work going on in the sidelines to work out a compromise.
Paes-Bhupthai are India's most successful doubles pair ever and the defending champions at the Games.
"As far as I am concerned I will put my best foot forward for the country. Regardless of who I play with I will do my best to bring home a medal. Now that the decision has been made we will go out and put our best foot forward and play the best tennis that we can because let's not forget that we are playing for our country," Paes said.
Just two days after Indian tennis' dirty linen was washed in public in Doha there has been a change in stance. But only the future can tell if national pride can overcome mutual animosity.
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